Although loadshedding is suspended for the 56th day today, City Power has asked customers to cut down on electricity usage.
Isaac Mangena, Spokesperson of City Power, said, the adjustments in electricity usage are firstly necessary. Secondly, they are significant in preventing an overloaded system, which could trigger trips or load reduction.
He said City Power has taken steps to mitigate the impact of upcoming extreme cold weather on the system, but urged customers to cooperate.
The entity has already started recording a sharp increase in electricity demand, which exerts unbearable pressure on the network. This happens during peak hours in the morning from 04h00 to 10h00 and again in the afternoon from 16h00 to 22h00.
Mangena said load reduction is the utility’s last resort in protecting its network infrastructure from damage or total collapse.
If the equipment explodes however, due to overloading, which could have been prevented, prolonged outages will be imminent, and delays will incur in repairing the damages and replacing the equipment.
Areas requested to watch their consumption are: Alexandra, Freedom Park, Hospital Hill, Kliptown, Klipfontein, Lawley, Matholesville, Mayibuye, Mountain View, Naturena, Pennyville, Pimville Zone 9, Prescast, Princess, Slovo, Thembelihle, Tshepisong and Vlakfontein.
Picture: NREL